“I write to you, young people, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you”
1 JOHN 2:14

DIRECTION I: Inspire young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of their Catholic faith community.

Outcome 1. The Bishop will restore, within three years, the order of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) to allow youth to participate in the fullness of their faith.

Outcome 2. Each parish will develop and promote a vibrant and visible youth ministry, within two years, to include youth not in sacramental preparation.

Outcome 3. Each parish (or deanery in rural areas) will create a qualified youth minister position within a two-year period.

Outcome 4. Each parish, in conjunction with the input of our youth, will create, within one year, more youth activities such as retreats, teen masses, liturgical involvement (choir, lector, etc.), encounters, outreach programs and social events.

DIRECTION II: Diocesan support and coordination of diocesan level youth events and opportunities.

Outcome 1. The Diocese in conjunction with the parishes will develop a program within one year, which includes activities for all high school seniors, and their parents, focused on keeping them on fire for the faith as they move into the secular adult world.

Outcome 2.
The Diocese, within two years, will re-establish and fill the position of Diocesan Youth Leader to coordinate activities among parish youth ministers and to support equitable access in rural areas.

Outcome 3. The Diocese will create a designated fund within one year so that disadvantaged youth can have an opportunity to participate in youth events

DIRECTION III: Provide new models to achieve a personal experience with Jesus rather than traditional model of catechesis.

Outcome 1. The Diocese, within one year, will increase communication (including sharing of best practices) by maximizing the use of websites and other forms of the latest technology

Outcome 2. Each parish within one year will develop a program for utilizing social media and other technology to increase peer-to-peer fellowship among youth.

Outcome 3. The Diocese, in conjunction with parishes, youth ministers and directors of religious education will initiate a diocesanwide model, within three years, to educate, inspire and support families so that parents can witness the Catholic life and form the faith of their children.

Outcome 4. Each parish will (by partnering youth with other established parish groups) develop innovative, engaging and relevant youth programs within three years.